RF/Wireless Non-technical Courses

Suitable for non technical and technical audience alike, these courses provide in depth understanding of wireless technologies and terminology without getting bogged down in complex mathematics.

Wireless technology "Made Simple"

These seminars provide nontechnical professionals with a firm grounding in the language and meaning of technical RF and wireless concepts. They also convey a conceptual understanding of the operation of various wireless systems. All explanations use simple physical descriptions without complex mathematics.

RF and Wireless Made Simple – On Demand

Course 22

Summary

Learn how to speak engineer…or at least understand them!

…and learn at your own pace.…

RF & Wireless Made Simple online course can teach a basic understanding of RF and wireless technology in as little as 8 hours, or up to six months whenever you need a “refresher”. Frequently used terms will be explained, as well as how to calculate dB. The names and functions of RF system components are discussed and a description of how they interact to generate and process signals is provided. The course explains the basic principles of signal processing and multiple access techniques in wireless telecommunications. A variety of relevant topics will be covered including a comparison of the specifications of commercial wireless systems. The course concludes with a discussion on the future of wireless technology and its applications.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course you will be able to:

Describe the integral relationship of the EM spectrum, basic wave theory, and power calculations with RF and wireless technology.

Define and elaborate on impedance, resistance, reactance, and mismatch.

List the names and functions of RF system components and describe how they interact to generate and process signals.

Explain the basic principles of signal processing.

Identify and describe the basic principles of multiple access techniques in wireless telecommunications.

Explain the process underlying propagation of electromagnetic waves.

List and compare the specifications of commercial wireless systems.

Discuss the future of wireless technology and its applications.

Target Audience

Marketing, sales, instructors, and all other nontechnical personnel working with the RF and wireless industry will benefit from this course. No prior technical knowledge is required to learn from this online course.

Subject Areas:

These programs provide anyone working in the RF industry with the opportunity to efficiently increase their understanding of RF terminology, components, and systems.

RF Technology Certification

Course 23

Summary

This online program has been designed for applications, production, manufacturing engineers and technicians as well as other professionals who need to have a solid background in the fundamentals of working with RF and wireless products. This four part program provides a thorough understanding of RF analytical tools, communications signals, RF devices and test instruments. Starting with basic analytical tools such as the decibel scale, S-parameters and the Smith Chart, this program covers test instrumentation, RF components, and modulation. A basic block diagram of a transmitter/receiver chain forms the backbone of the course outline. Each component is described, and the relative performance parameters defined. Key impairments are introduced as they become relevant to the operation of the system. Basic system calculations are covered, as well as modulation formats and multiple access techniques.

The self-paced program is divided into four parts, each consisting of pre-recorded self-paced lectures followed by custom online “workbooks” that contain a summary of formulas learned and practice exercise questions or measurement procedures. A bonus on-demand tutorial webcast in each part offers an additional perspective on a related topic of interest. Each part has a brief test as well. The program is equivalent to approximately 40 hours of training and students are given six months to complete the material. After finishing the program students will receive a signed certificate of completion.

This course is intended for registered individual students only. Please contact us for group rates at [email protected] or 650-949-3300. Recording, copying, or re-transmission of classroom material is prohibited.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course you will be able to:

work natively with dB values (without using a calculator)

understand basic wave parameters and propagation

appreciate the effects of parasitics on component behavior

understand the effects of mismatches at RF

create basic matching networks using the Smith Chart

describe basic transmission line structures and input impedance

interpret S-parameters from measurements and datasheets

describe the basic function of spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and power meters

know the limitations on accuracy/uncertainty that affect all RF and high frequency measurements

describe the operation of the main components of an RF transceiver system

describe the modulation formats used to impress information onto the RF carrier

understand the basic principles of multiple access techniques such as TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA

Target Audience

This program is ideally suited for applications, manufacturing and production engineers or technicians who are new to the RF/wireless field. It is also suitable for those who have been working in the field but who have not had a formal introduction to the key concepts that form the basis of understanding and troubleshooting wireless systems. A knowledge of basic circuit theory/operation (resistors, inductors, capacitors) is assumed.